Who issues the permit depends on which city the house is in
There is no statewide foundation repair licence in Missouri or Kansas. What applies instead is the local building permit for structural work, and the metro has a lot of local building departments.
What usually needs a permit
Structural work generally does: underpinning with piers, bracing or rebuilding basement walls, altering load-bearing walls, and installing new structural supports. Crack injection, sump pump replacement, vapor barriers and yard drains generally don't, though some cities regulate where sump water may discharge. When in doubt, we check with the city before we start.
Who issues it
| Where the house is | Who handles permits |
|---|---|
| Kansas City, Missouri | The City of Kansas City, Missouri, through its Compass KC online permit system |
| Kansas City, Kansas | The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, a separate jurisdiction |
| Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, Prairie Village, Merriam | Each city's own building department |
| Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Liberty, Gladstone, Raytown, Grandview, Belton | Each city's own building department |
| Unincorporated areas | The county |
Who pulls it
We do, as part of the job, and the fee appears as its own line on the written scope. Some jobs need an engineer's design attached; we tell you if yours does before you commit.
About licences
Missouri does not issue a statewide general contractor or foundation repair licence, and neither does Kansas for this trade. That means no company in the metro holds a "state foundation licence", whatever their advertising implies. The protections that matter are insurance, the local permit and inspection, and a clear written contract. Missouri's Merchandising Practices Act also prohibits deceptive practices in consumer transactions, including home improvement.
Quick questions
Will a permit slow my repair down?
Usually only by a few days. We apply as soon as you approve the scope.
Does an inspector check the work?
On permitted jobs, the city may inspect at stages, such as before backfill. We schedule those inspections.
Do I need a permit to sell my house after a repair?
A closed-out permit is helpful paperwork for a sale. We give you a copy along with the scope and photos.